Head of People

Location: Victoria, London - Hybrid (occasional UK travel)

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £62,000

The Opportunity

MLC Partners are delighted to be partnering with Thrive at Five to recruit their incoming Head of People during an exciting period of growth and transformation.

Thrive at Five is a purpose-driven charity committed to improving outcomes for young children and families through community collaboration and innovative approaches to early childhood development.

The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping organisational design, strengthening learning and development, and building a People function that supports Thrive at Five's future ambitions.

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Design and Planning, the incumbent will lead the People function, combining strategic leadership with hands-on HR delivery.

Key responsibilities include

• Developing and delivering the People strategy in line with organisational objectives.
• Partnering with senior leadership on organisational design, workforce planning and change management.
• Leading learning and development initiatives, building the skills and capabilities required to support future growth.
• Overseeing recruitment, onboarding, talent development and employee engagement.
• Providing expert advice on employee relations, employment law and HR best practice.
• Reviewing and improving HR policies, processes, systems and reporting.
• Supporting organisational culture, wellbeing and equality, diversity and inclusion.

About you

• Significant experience in a senior HR or People generalist role.
• Strong experience supporting organisational growth, change and development.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and advise on complex employee relations matters.
• Experience developing learning and development strategies and initiatives.
• Comprehensive knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A calm, pragmatic and adaptable approach to working in an evolving organisation.
• CIPD Level 5 qualification or above (essential).
• Charity or not-for-profit experience would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why Join Thrive at Five?

• Flexible working: Predominantly home-based, with one day per week in the London office (Mondays).
• Meaningful impact: Join a charity dedicated to improving early childhood development and outcomes for children and families.
• Strategic influence: Play a key role in shaping the organisation's People strategy, organisational design and future growth.
• Collaborative culture: Work alongside passionate colleagues, local communities and partner organisations.
• National exposure: Work with teams and programmes across England and Scotland.

We are looking for someone who is excited by change, comfortable navigating uncertainty and motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Applications close 2nd November 2026.

To apply or discuss the opportunity in confidence, please contact Sam Rasera at MLC Partners.